Set up as new or restore from a backup

If this is your first Apple Watch, tap Set Up Apple Watch. Otherwise, choose a backup. If asked, update your Apple Watch to the latest version of watchOS.

Read the Terms and Conditions and tap Agree, then tap Agree again to continue.

Sign in with your Apple ID

If asked, enter your Apple ID password. If you aren’t asked, you can sign in later from the Apple Watch app: Tap General > Apple ID, then sign in. Certain features that require a cellular phone number won’t work on cellular models of Apple Watch unless you sign in to iCloud.

If Find My iPhone isn't set up on your iPhone, you'll be asked to turn on Activation Lock. If you see an Activation Lock screen, your Apple Watch is already linked to an Apple ID. You need to enter the email address and password for that Apple ID to continue set up. If your Apple Watch was previously owned, you might need to contact the previous owner to remove Activation Lock.

Choose your settings

Your Apple Watch shows you which settings it shares with your iPhone. If you turned on Find my iPhone, Location Services, Wi-Fi Calling, and Diagnostics for your iPhone, these settings automatically turn on for your Apple Watch.

You can choose to use other settings, like Route Tracking and Siri. If Siri isn’t already set up on your iPhone, it will turn on after you choose this option.

Create a passcode

You can skip creating a passcode, but you need one for features like Apple Pay.

On your iPhone, tap Create a Passcode or Add a Long Passcode, then switch to your Apple Watch to enter your new code. To skip, tap Don't Add Passcode.

You'll also be asked to set up Apple Pay by adding a card.

Choose features and apps

We'll walk you through setting up features, like SOS and Activity. On cellular models of Apple Watch, you can also set up cellular.

Then you can install your apps that are compatible with Apple Watch.

Wait for your devices to sync

Depending on how much data you have, syncing might take some time. While you wait for your watch to sync, try Apple Watch Basics to learn a little about how to use your watch.

Keep your devices close together until you hear a chime and feel a gentle tap from your Apple Watch, then press the Digital Crown.